CN101984918A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CN101984918A CN101984918A CN2010102389514A CN201010238951A CN101984918A CN 101984918 A CN101984918 A CN 101984918A CN 2010102389514 A CN2010102389514 A CN 2010102389514A CN 201010238951 A CN201010238951 A CN 201010238951A CN 101984918 A CN101984918 A CN 101984918A
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- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
- G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
- G10K11/26—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
- G10K11/34—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using electrical steering of transducer arrays, e.g. beam steering
- G10K11/341—Circuits therefor
- G10K11/345—Circuits therefor using energy switching from one active element to another
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
- G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S15/89—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
- G01S15/8906—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques
- G01S15/8909—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration
- G01S15/8915—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration using a transducer array
- G01S15/8925—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration using a transducer array the array being a two-dimensional transducer configuration, i.e. matrix or orthogonal linear arrays
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
- G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S15/89—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
- G01S15/8906—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques
- G01S15/8909—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration
- G01S15/8915—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration using a transducer array
- G01S15/8927—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration using a transducer array using simultaneously or sequentially two or more subarrays or subapertures
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
- G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
- G01S7/52017—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00 particularly adapted to short-range imaging
- G01S7/52079—Constructional features
- G01S7/5208—Constructional features with integration of processing functions inside probe or scanhead
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/13—Tomography
- A61B8/14—Echo-tomography
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. A 2D array transducer (10) is separated into a plurality of sub-arrays. Four representative sub-arrays SA1 to SA4 are shown in an enlarged manner. In addition, the 2D array transducer (10) is segmented into a plurality of transducer regions. Four regions of (I)-(IV) segmented by dot-and-chain lines represent four transducer regions. A grouping process is executed for each sub-array to group the plurality of transducer elements belonging to the sub-array into a plurality of element groups. In this process, for each transducer region, a common grouping pattern is set for the plurality of sub-arrays belonging to the transducer region. For example, because sub-arrays SA1 and SA2 belong to the same transducer region (IV), a common grouping pattern is set for the sub-arrays SA1 and SA2.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to a kind of diagnostic ultrasound equipment, and, relate to a kind of technology of utilizing sensor array to form ultrasonic beam especially.
Background technology
Known two-dimensional array sensor by arranging that two-dimensionally a plurality of sensor elements constitute.Two-dimensional array sensor is formed by for example several thousand automatically controlled sensor elements.Utilize this two-dimensional array sensor, scan ultrasonic beam two-dimensionally, and three-dimensional the echo data of collecting.
When control during as a plurality of sensor element of the part of two-dimensional array sensor, if for each sensor element provides holding wire independently, then the quantity of holding wire equals the total quantity of sensor element; For example, whole two-dimensional array sensor will need several thousand signal line.When adopting several thousand signal line, equipment body and the probe cable meeting chap that is connected the probe that is furnished with sensor element, and the quantity of the pin of the adapter of the connecting portion office between probe cable and equipment body also can become big.In addition, can not ignore the increase of the circuit size that is used for transmitting/receiving system.Consider these situations, proposed to be used to reduce the technology of the quantity (quantity of passage) of the holding wire that connects a plurality of sensor elements and equipment body.
For example, patent documentation 1 (JP 2001-286467A) discloses a kind of technology, the focus point of ultrasonic beam is projected on the sensor array surface, it is the center that a plurality of concentric rings are set at the subpoint, and common retardation is associated with a plurality of sensor elements that are subordinated to each concentric ring.Utilize this structure, the quantity of passage can be reduced to the quantity of concentric ring significantly.Yet the on-off circuit that is used for assembling electrically a plurality of sensor elements that are subordinated to each concentric ring becomes very complicated, and the data volume that is used for the gauge tap circuit also becomes very big.
Patent documentation 2 (JP 2005-342194A) discloses a kind of technology, wherein two-dimensional array sensor is divided into a plurality of subarrays, and makes in each subarray be connected with the corresponding a plurality of pick offs of identical retardation (grouping).Adopt as the subarray in the patent documentation 2,, compare the scale that can reduce on-off circuit with this situation though compare the quantity that has increased passage with the situation that does not adopt subarray (for example, the structure in the patent documentation 1).Yet the data volume that is used for the gauge tap circuit remains huge.
For example, for assembling a plurality of sensor elements electrically, be provided for the information of gauge tap circuit to probe by equipment body by on-off circuit.Come the gauge tap circuit for the steering angle and the depth of focus according to wave beam, the quantity of information that is provided to probe by equipment body becomes very big.For example, when transmitting the information relevant,, thereby cause other problems such as the frame frequency reduction with the delivery time of needs tens microseconds with several thousand sensor elements.
Patent documentation 3 (JP 2000-33087A) discloses and has a kind ofly used control so that the depth of focus is fixed on infinity and only considers that beam steering simplifies wave beam control and reduce the technology of quantity of information.Yet, when the depth of focus is set at infinity simply, can makes the degradation such as convergence of wave beam and reduce the beam shaping precision, thereby cause the reduction of the resolution etc. of image.
In this case, the inventor has studied and has developed a kind of technology that suppresses the degradation of ultrasonic beam when the quantity of information that suppresses to be used to control ultrasonic beam increases.Especially, the present invention concentrates on the packet transaction that is used for a plurality of sensor elements of sensor array are gathered a plurality of element groups to attention.
Summary of the invention
The present invention visualizes in above-mentioned research and development process, and advantage of the present invention is to provide a kind of improvement technology relevant with the packet transaction of sensor array.
According to a scheme of the present invention, a kind of diagnostic ultrasound equipment is provided, comprising: sensor array, it comprises a plurality of sensor elements; Packet handler, it is divided into a plurality of subarrays with sensor array, and for each subarray, a plurality of sensor elements that packet handler will be subordinated to this subarray are grouped into a plurality of element groups; Controller, it sets group mode, and this group mode is treated a plurality of sensor elements that are grouped into the identity element group and is limited; And beam shaping elements, it utilizes a plurality of element groups that each the subarray grouping on a plurality of subarrays is formed to form ultrasonic beam, wherein sensor array is divided into a plurality of sensor regions, and, for each sensor region, controller is that a plurality of subarrays that are subordinated to this sensor region are set common group mode.
Utilize said structure, because for each sensor region, for a plurality of subarrays that are subordinated to this sensor region are set common group mode, therefore with for the situation of the independent group mode of each setting in a plurality of subarrays compare, can reduce the quantity of information relevant with group mode.In addition,, therefore compare, can improve such as the beam shaping precision that is used for assembling with the situation of whole sensor array being set common group mode owing to set group mode corresponding in a plurality of sensor regions each.
By the present invention, provide a kind of improvement technology relevant with the packet transaction of sensor array.For example, because for each sensor region, for a plurality of subarrays that are subordinated to this sensor region are set common group mode, therefore with for the situation of the independent group mode of each setting in a plurality of subarrays compare, can reduce the quantity of information relevant with group mode.In addition,, therefore compare, can improve such as the beam shaping precision that is used for assembling with the situation of whole sensor array being set common group mode owing to set group mode corresponding in a plurality of sensor regions each.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the figure of 2D sensor array that the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;
Fig. 2 is the figure that is used to illustrate focus for infinity direction when not having beam steering;
Fig. 3 is the figure that is used to illustrate common group mode;
Fig. 4 is the figure that is used to illustrate focus for infinity direction when having beam steering;
Fig. 5 is the integrally-built figure that the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is shown;
Fig. 6 is the figure that the comparative result relevant with the beam shaping precision is shown;
Fig. 7 is used to illustrate the figure that postpones the relation between contour PL and the element group;
Fig. 8 is the multiple figure of cutting apart pattern that sensor region is shown.
The specific embodiment
Now a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Fig. 1 is the figure of two dimension (2D) sensor array 10 that the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.2D sensor array 10 forms by arranging a plurality of sensor elements two-dimensionally.For example, longitudinally and laterally arrange a plurality of sensor elements two-dimensionally, and the sensor surface of 2D sensor array 10 forms square shape as shown in Figure 1.Selectively, a plurality of sensor elements can be arranged as round-shaped two-dimensionally, make the sensor surface of 2D sensor array 10 form round-shaped.
In addition, 2D sensor array 10 is divided into a plurality of sensor regions.In Fig. 1, represent four sensor regions by four zones (I)-(IV) that chain-dotted line is partitioned into.In Fig. 1, each in the sensor region (I)-(IV) comprises 25 subarrays.Should be noted in the discussion above that Fig. 1 only illustration be used for a kind of structure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the quantity of the subarray in the quantity of the sensor element in each subarray and each sensor region is not limited in the quantity shown in the exemplary configurations of Fig. 1.
A plurality of sensor elements of 2D sensor array 10 are controlled electronically, and, utilize this structure, scan ultrasonic beam and three-dimensional the echo data of collecting two-dimensionally.In Electronic Control, set and the corresponding retardation of each sensor element (time delay).For example, provide to sensor element and to use and transmitting that the corresponding retardation of each sensor element postpones, and form launching beams by a plurality of sensor elements of 2D sensor array 10.In addition, for example, will be,, thereby form received signal along received beam with the received signal addition of a plurality of sensor elements of 2D sensor array 10 according to after handling the received signal that be applied to obtain with the delay of the corresponding retardation of each sensor element from sensor element.
In the present embodiment, when ultrasonic beam forms, based in the identity element group to coming application packet to handle with group mode that the corresponding a plurality of sensor elements of identical retardation are set.In packet transaction,, a plurality of sensor elements that are subordinated to this subarray are grouped into a plurality of element groups for each subarray.For each sensor region, for a plurality of subarrays that are subordinated to this sensor region are set common group mode.
For example, because subarray SA1 and SA2 shown in Figure 1 is subordinated to same sensor region (sensor region (IV)), therefore set common group mode for subarray SA1 and subarray SA2.In Fig. 1, distribute to the group of this sensor element institute subordinate of letter representation of the sensor element among subarray SA1 and the SA2, and same group of identical letter representation.The arrangement mode of the letter among the arrangement mode of the letter among the subarray SA1 and the subarray SA2 is consistent each other.In other words, it is consistent each other to be used for the group mode of the group mode of a plurality of sensor elements of subarray SA1 and a plurality of sensor elements that are used for subarray SA2.
Similarly, because subarray SA3 and SA4 shown in Figure 1 is subordinated to same sensor region (sensor region (III)), therefore set common group mode for subarray SA3 and SA4.
When in each sensor region, setting common group mode, based on the ideal focusing position of ultrasonic beam is that in a plurality of sensor regions each is set virtual focus for infinity direction, according to the focus for infinity direction of setting for each sensor region, for each sensor region is set common group mode.
Fig. 2 is the figure that is used to illustrate focus for infinity direction when not having beam steering.Fig. 2 shows the square sensor surface of 2D sensor array 10, and the focus point F of ultrasonic beam be present in sensor surface the center directly over.The projected position of focus point F on the sensor surface of 2D sensor array 10 is subpoint F '.
When setting the focus for infinity direction, in each sensor region, set the reference position according to the arrangement states of a plurality of sensor elements that are subordinated to each sensor region.In Fig. 2, set the position of centre of gravity C of each sensor region, as the reference position.In other words, the position of centre of gravity of the sensor surface that is formed by a plurality of sensor elements of sensor region (I) is C
1, similarly, the position of centre of gravity of sensor region (II) is C
2, the position of centre of gravity of sensor region (III) is C
3, and the position of centre of gravity of sensor region (IV) is C
4
For each sensor region, set the focus for infinity direction along the straight line that connects position of centre of gravity C and subpoint F '.In other words, along connecting position of centre of gravity C
1Focus for infinity direction D with the straight line setting sensor zone (I) of subpoint F '
1, along connecting position of centre of gravity C
2Focus for infinity direction D with the straight line setting sensor zone (II) of subpoint F '
2, along connecting position of centre of gravity C
3Focus for infinity direction D with the straight line setting sensor zone (III) of subpoint F '
3, and along connecting position of centre of gravity C
4Focus for infinity direction D with the straight line setting sensor zone (IV) of subpoint F '
4
In addition, according to the focus for infinity direction of setting for each sensor region, for each sensor region is set common group mode.
Fig. 3 is the figure that is used to illustrate common group mode.Fig. 3 shows the square sensor surface of the 2D sensor array 10 identical with the 2D sensor array 10 of Fig. 1, and in Fig. 3, by dotted line with the subarray of each expression in the latticed a plurality of squares that separate.In addition, Fig. 3 shows the focus for infinity direction of each sensor region.In other words, Fig. 3 shows the focus for infinity direction D of sensor region (I)
1, sensor region (II) focus for infinity direction D
2, sensor region (III) focus for infinity direction D
3, and the focus for infinity direction D of sensor region (IV)
4
For each sensor region, based on the focus for infinity direction setting equal pitch contour relevant (delay contour) with retardation.Postponing contour PL is to connect the line of the point of same delay amount when forming ultrasonic beam, and is configured to perpendicular to the focus for infinity direction.The position of delay contour PL shown in Figure 3 and be only exemplary at interval for the diagram purpose, and postpone the position of contour PL and at interval can be and determine at interval according to the position of a plurality of sensor elements.
In the present embodiment, be grouped into the identity element group with the corresponding a plurality of sensor elements of identical retardation.Thereby, be grouped into the identity element group along a plurality of sensor elements that postpone contour PL layout.For example, in the sensor region (IV) of Fig. 3,, a plurality of sensor elements are divided into groups, make to form such as subarray SA1 shown in Figure 1 and the common group mode of subarray SA2 along postponing contour PL for each subarray.Equally, for other sensor region, along postponing contour PL a plurality of sensor elements are divided into groups, to form common group mode.
Fig. 4 is the figure that is used to illustrate focus for infinity direction when having beam steering.Equally, exist under the situation of beam steering, setting the focus for infinity direction by the principle identical with the principle of the situation that does not have beam steering (with reference to figure 2).
Fig. 4 also shows the square sensor surface of 2D sensor array 10.In Fig. 4, the focus point F of ultrasonic beam be present in sensor surface directly over the position away from the position.In addition, the projected position of focus point F on the plane of the sensor surface that comprises 2D sensor array 10 is subpoint F '.
In Fig. 4,, set the focus for infinity direction equally along the straight line that connects position of centre of gravity C and subpoint F ' for each sensor region.In Fig. 4, position of centre of gravity is expressed as C
i
When the coordinate of subpoint F ' be (xf, yf) and the position of centre of gravity C of each sensor region
iCoordinate be that (xi in the time of yi), determines the focus for infinity direction Ф of each sensor region by following equation
i(with respect to the angle of x axle).
[equation 1]
Фi＝tan
-1[(yf-yi)/(xf-xi)] i＝1～4 (1)
For the purpose of illustration, along focus for infinity direction Ф
iInfinity be called as overlength distance D
∞, and, for example, if D
∞=100m, then by following equation determine the focus for infinity coordinate (Xi, Yi).
[equation 2]
Xi＝xi+D
∞cosФi (2a)
Yi＝yi+D
∞sinФi (2b)
When along (Xi Yi) is the concentrically ringed circumference at center when setting the equal pitch contour (delay contour) relevant with retardation, is in close proximity to and focus for infinity direction Ф with the focus for infinity coordinate
iVertical collinear delay contour PL is set.Therefore, even under the situation that has beam steering shown in Figure 4, also to each sensor region with focus for infinity direction Ф
iVertical mode is set and is postponed contour PL.
Fig. 5 illustrates the integrally-built figure of preferred diagnostic ultrasound equipment in the present embodiment.The diagnostic ultrasound equipment of Fig. 5 comprises probe 100 and main body 200, and pop one's head in 100 and main body 200 be connected to each other by cable.
Probe 100 comprises 2D sensor array 10 (with reference to figure 1).2D sensor array 10 constitutes by arranging a plurality of sensor elements 12 two-dimensionally.In addition, 2D sensor array 10 is divided into a plurality of subarray 1～n and is divided into a plurality of sensor region I～IV.
For among a plurality of subarray 1～n each is provided with on-off circuit 20.On-off circuit 20 is carried out packet transaction and is grouped into a plurality of element groups with a plurality of sensor elements that will be included in the corresponding subarray.
Each on-off circuit 20 is for example cross type switch, and, in each on-off circuit 20, with a plurality of sensor element 12 corresponding a plurality of element signal lines be set to intersected with each other with the corresponding a plurality of groups of holding wires of a plurality of element groups.In Fig. 5,, show the group signal wire harness 22 that comprises a plurality of groups of holding wires for each on-off circuit 20.
In each on-off circuit 20, switch is arranged on each crossover location place that holding wire intersects, and according to the on/off of switch, element signal line and group holding wire are electrically connected to each other or electrically disconnect each other, thereby cause packet transaction.In packet transaction, use the group mode of setting into each subarray.
Equipment body 200 comprises transmitter/receiver unit 30.In when emission, transmitter/receiver unit 30 will have been used transmitting of postponing to handle for each group by a plurality of groups of holding wires that comprise and export in a plurality of on-off circuits 20 each in group signal wire harness 22.Then, for each group, each on-off circuit 20 will transmit and export a plurality of sensor elements 12 that are subordinated to this group to.Like this, used transmitting of postponing to handle and be provided for a plurality of sensor elements 12 of 2D sensor array 10, and formed launching beam.
Simultaneously, when receiving, each on-off circuit 20 will divide into groups with formation group signal from the received signal that a plurality of sensor elements 12 obtain, and the group signal that will obtain by a plurality of groups of holding wires that comprise in group signal wire harness 22 exports transmitter/receiver unit 30 to.30 pairs of group signal application and this groups from each group of each on-off circuit 20 acquisition of transmitter/receiver unit postpone to handle accordingly, and will be from a plurality of groups of signal plus of a plurality of on-off circuits 20 acquisitions after delay is handled.Like this, the received signal that a plurality of sensor elements 12 from 2D sensor array 10 obtain is sued for peace, and obtained echo data along received beam.
Image formation unit 40 forms view data based on the echo data that obtains along a plurality of received beams.Be displayed on the display 50 with the corresponding ultrasonography of view data.For example, scan ultrasonic beam two-dimensionally and three-dimensional collect echo data, and form three-dimensional ultrasonography.Selectively, can form the ultrasonography of two dimension.
Controller 60 is each unit of the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of control figure 5 integrally.Especially, controller 60 control data that will be used to set group mode exports a plurality of on-off circuits 20 to.Controller 60 can use the group mode that is stored in advance in the memorizer etc. or can determine group mode by calculating based on the focus point position of ultrasonic beam etc.
In the present embodiment, set common group mode for a plurality of subarrays in each sensor region.Therefore, controller 60 can export same control data to a plurality of on-off circuits 20 that are subordinated to same sensor region.For example, common control data is exported to a plurality of on-off circuits 20 that are subordinated to area I.Therefore, the exportable quantity control corresponding data (for example, 4) with sensor region of controller 60.
Fig. 6 is the figure that the comparative result relevant with the beam shaping precision is shown.Fig. 6 shows along the beam characteristics of y direction by simulation of acoustic field.The transverse axis of Fig. 6 shows the intensity of representing sound field along the angle of y direction and the longitudinal axis.
Fig. 6 shows the comparative result of the three kind patterns relevant with packet transaction.Waveform 72 is illustrated in the sound field characteristics under the following situation: turn to by focal length being set in unlimited distance and only considering, use common group mode on the whole zone of 2D sensor array.Sound field characteristics when waveform 74 is illustrated on the whole zone of 2D sensor array and sets group mode individually for each subarray.
On the other hand, waveform 70 expressions are by the sound field characteristics of present embodiment acquisition.In other words, the sound field characteristics that when setting common group mode, obtains of waveform 70 expression for a plurality of subarrays in each sensor region.
When comparing these three kinds of patterns, can find out that the main lobe that sound field intensity becomes maximum does not have marked difference.Yet, departing from aspect the graing lobe of main lobe, relative marked difference appears between these three kinds of patterns.
In beam characteristics, wish that graing lobe is little.For these three kinds of patterns, in waveform 74, owing on the whole zone of 2D sensor array, set group mode individually for each subarray, so the graing lobe minimum, and reach higher beam shaping precision.In waveform 72, because wave beam control is the simplification control of using common group mode on the whole zone of 2D sensor array, so graing lobe maximum and beam shaping precision are low.
On the other hand, have with waveform 72 as the waveform 70 of the sound field characteristics that produces by the structure of present embodiment and to compare less graing lobe, and graing lobe is suppressed to very the degree near the graing lobe of waveform 74.
Owing in waveform 74, set group mode individually, therefore need be used for the huge quantity of information of group mode for each subarray.On the other hand, in the waveform 70 of the sound field characteristics that produces as structure,, therefore the quantity of information of group mode can be remained on low-level owing to only need set common group mode to a plurality of subarrays in each sensor region by present embodiment.For example, if be that in 164 subarrays each is set independent group mode, then will need 164 kinds of group modes, but in the present embodiment, can set and 4 corresponding 4 kinds of group modes of sensor region.In other words, the quantity of group mode can be reduced to 4 significantly from 164.
As described, according to present embodiment, can in the quantity that reduces group mode, keep the beam shaping precision.
Described with reference to figure 3 as mentioned, when setting group mode in the present embodiment, be grouped into the identity element group along a plurality of sensor elements that postpone contour PL layout.
Fig. 7 is used to illustrate the figure that postpones the relation between contour PL and the element group.Fig. 7 shows the subarray SA with the square shape that is shown in broken lines.The a plurality of circles that comprise in subarray SA are represented a plurality of sensor elements.In the exemplary configurations of Fig. 7,, and constitute subarray SA with 64 sensor elements along the longitudinal with 8 sensor elements of lateral arrangement.For subarray SA, set with the delay contour PL shown in the solid line, and a plurality of sensor elements are grouped into the identity element group along postponing contour PL.
Postpone when setting when postponing contour PL as shown in Figure 7, being positioned at that contour PL goes up or near a plurality of sensor elements are grouped into the identity element group.In Fig. 7, illustrate to be positioned at two circle symbols and postpone contour PL and go up or near a plurality of sensor elements.In other words, be grouped into the identity element group by a plurality of sensor elements shown in these pairs circles symbol and be associated with identical retardation.
Yet, comprise the element that postpones on the contour PL such as being positioned at of sensor element 12f and such as the element that postpones contour PL that departs from of sensor element 12s with a plurality of sensor elements shown in two circle symbols.Postponing contour PL is the line that connects the point of same delay amount ideally.Therefore, have the sensor element that departs from the different deviations that postpone contour PL, for example, sensor element 12f and 12s strictly speaking, have different retardations.
Thus, can be each sensor element fine adjustment delay amount according to departing from the deviation that postpones contour PL.For example, insert the retardation trimming circuit between sensor element 12 that can be shown in Figure 5 and the on-off circuit 20, and can be each sensor element 12 fine adjustment delay amount according to departing from the deviation that postpones contour PL.When receiving, after the fine adjustment delay amount, will be from the received signal that a plurality of sensor elements 12 the obtain signal in groups that divides into groups, and, in when emission, after according to each sensor element 12 fine adjustment delay amount, will with every group transmit accordingly and be emitted to each sensor element 12.By being each sensor element 12 fine adjustment delay amount, can further improve the ultrasonic beam forming accuracy.
Fig. 8 is the multiple figure of cutting apart pattern that sensor region is shown.In each of mode (A)-(E), the square that centers on by solid line or the sensor surface of circular expression 2D sensor array, and the chain-dotted line of drawing in sensor surface is represented the boundary line of sensor region.
The 2D sensor array is by being divided into a plurality of sensor regions from the radioactively extended virtual boundary line in the center of sensor surface, and, if desired, then further be divided into a plurality of sensor regions by setting for around the virtual boundary line at the center of sensor surface.
In mode (A), square sensor surface is divided into 8 sensor regions (1)-(8).In mode (B), the circular sensor surface is divided into 8 sensor regions (1)-(8).In addition, mode (C)-(E) shows the example division pattern that is used for the circular sensor surface.
As described, sensor region can adopt the multiple pattern of cutting apart, and can use with shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 8 cut apart pattern different cut apart pattern.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described.Yet, should be noted in the discussion above that above preferred embodiment only is exemplary and does not limit the scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
1. diagnostic ultrasound equipment comprises:
Sensor array, it comprises a plurality of sensor elements;
Packet handler, it is divided into a plurality of subarrays with described sensor array, and for each subarray, a plurality of sensor elements that described packet handler will be subordinated to this subarray are grouped into a plurality of element groups;
Controller, it sets group mode, and described group mode defines a plurality of sensor elements of waiting to be grouped into the identity element group; And
Beam shaping elements, it utilizes a plurality of element groups that each the subarray grouping on described a plurality of subarrays is formed to form ultrasonic beam, wherein
Described sensor array is divided into a plurality of sensor regions, and
For each sensor region, described controller is that the described a plurality of subarrays that are subordinated to this sensor region are set common group mode.
2. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 1, wherein
It is to make to be grouped into the identity element group with the corresponding a plurality of sensor elements of identical retardation in the forming process of ultrasonic beam that described controller is set described group mode.
3. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 2, wherein
Based on the ideal focal position of ultrasonic beam is that in described a plurality of sensor region each is set virtual focus for infinity direction, and according to setting common group mode for the described focus for infinity direction of each sensor region setting for each sensor region.
4. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 3, wherein
According to the arrangement states of the described a plurality of sensor elements that are subordinated to described sensor region and in each sensor region, set the reference position, and, set described focus for infinity direction at the straight line of the described reference position of lip-deep projected position of sensor array and described sensor region along connecting described ideal focal position for each sensor region.
5. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 4, wherein
The described reference position of setting in each sensor region is the position of centre of gravity of described sensor region.
6. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 1, wherein
When forming ultrasonic beam, be each sensor element fine adjustment delay amount according to the deviation of the ideal delay contour that departs from the point that connects the same delay amount.
7. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 2, wherein
When forming ultrasonic beam, be each sensor element fine adjustment delay amount according to the deviation of the ideal delay contour that departs from the point that connects the same delay amount.
8. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 3, wherein
When forming ultrasonic beam, be each sensor element fine adjustment delay amount according to the deviation of the ideal delay contour that departs from the point that connects the same delay amount.
9. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 4, wherein
When forming ultrasonic beam, be each sensor element fine adjustment delay amount according to the deviation of the ideal delay contour that departs from the point that connects the same delay amount.
10. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 1, wherein
Described sensor array is the two-dimensional array sensor that comprises a plurality of sensor elements of arranging two-dimensionally.
11. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 6, wherein
Described sensor array is the two-dimensional array sensor that comprises a plurality of sensor elements of arranging two-dimensionally.
12. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 10, wherein
Described two-dimensional array sensor is by being divided into described a plurality of sensor region from the radioactively extended virtual boundary line in the center of sensor surface.
13. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 12, wherein
Described two-dimensional array sensor is divided into described a plurality of sensor region by the virtual boundary line of setting the center that centers on described sensor surface for.
14. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 10, wherein
Described two-dimensional array sensor is divided into three or more sensor regions.
15. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 13, wherein
Described two-dimensional array sensor is divided into three or more sensor regions.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2009175440A JP5436965B2 (en) | 2009-07-28 | 2009-07-28 | Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment |
| JP2009-175440 | 2009-07-28 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN101984918A true CN101984918A (en) | 2011-03-16 |
| CN101984918B CN101984918B (en) | 2014-09-17 |
Family
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201010238951.4A Expired - Fee Related CN101984918B (en) | 2009-07-28 | 2010-07-27 | Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US8845540B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP2287631A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP5436965B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101984918B (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103814305A (en) * | 2011-09-22 | 2014-05-21 | 皇家飞利浦有限公司 | Excitation schemes for low-cost transducer arrays |
| CN110732476A (en) * | 2019-09-29 | 2020-01-31 | 杭州电子科技大学 | Multi-band MEMS ultrasonic transducer array based on square grid layout |
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| US9261486B2 (en) * | 2010-01-28 | 2016-02-16 | Indian Institute Of Technology | Technique for imaging using array of focused virtual sources using phased excitation |
| KR102218308B1 (en) * | 2013-05-21 | 2021-02-23 | 삼성전자주식회사 | ultrasonic image processing apparatus and method |
| JP5907362B1 (en) | 2014-10-08 | 2016-04-26 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Activity status analysis apparatus, activity status analysis system, and activity status analysis method |
| US11510648B2 (en) * | 2017-01-25 | 2022-11-29 | Canon Medical Systems Corporation | Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic diagnostic assistance method |
| FR3086063B1 (en) * | 2018-09-13 | 2022-11-11 | Moduleus | ULTRASOUND IMAGING DEVICE |
| JP2022174560A (en) * | 2021-05-11 | 2022-11-24 | キヤノンメディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2011024883A (en) | 2011-02-10 |
| US8845540B2 (en) | 2014-09-30 |
| EP2287631A1 (en) | 2011-02-23 |
| CN101984918B (en) | 2014-09-17 |
| JP5436965B2 (en) | 2014-03-05 |
| US20110028846A1 (en) | 2011-02-03 |
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